Quality Laboratory Engineer

Vesuvius • , IL

1d

About The Position

The Quality Laboratory Engineer will be responsible for performing and interpreting refractory material tests, ensuring accuracy and compliance of test results, and supporting root-cause analysis for internal and customer issues. This role involves maintaining and improving laboratory testing methods, supporting quality and environmental management systems, and providing engineering insights to production teams. The engineer will also participate in new product implementation, manage laboratory equipment, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or related technical field.
• 1-3 years in laboratory, materials, or manufacturing environments preferred.
• Strong understanding of material science and laboratory testing methods.
• Ability to interpret test results and link them to product and process performance.
• Familiarity with SPC, DOE, and quality tools.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and laboratory safety standards.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with refractory materials, ceramics, or industrial testing is an advantage.
• Experience with MiniTab is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform and interpret refractory material tests according to Vesuvius standards.
• Conduct the incoming inspection of RM.
• Ensure accuracy, repeatability, and compliance of all test results.
• Maintain and improve laboratory testing methods and documentation.
• Support root‑cause analysis for internal and customer issues through data‑driven evaluation.
• Issue the certificates confirming compliance with the customer specifications.
• Ensure adherence to the Quality Management System (QMS) and Environmental Management System (EMS).
• Maintain full traceability of test data, batch records, and material certifications.
• Support compliance audits and implement corrective actions.
• Communicate quality alerts and provide technical training to operators and technicians.
• Provide engineering‑level insights to production teams regarding material behavior, process deviations, and product performance.
• Participate in investigations of non‑conformities and support containment actions.
• Validate measurement tools and ensure proper calibration and usage.
• Collaborate with Process Engineering to align lab results with process capability and product performance.
• Apply Lean tools (5S, standardization, waste reduction) within the laboratory.
• Lead or support improvement projects related to testing accuracy, cycle time, and data integrity.
• Improve laboratory workflows, documentation, and testing efficiency.
• Maintain, calibrate (third-party), and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
• Coordinate external service and ensure equipment readiness.
• Identify opportunities for equipment upgrades or method improvements.
• Support NPI trials through testing, data collection, and validation.
• Collaborate with R&D and regional technical teams on material evaluations and technology transfers.
• Participate in customer investigations by providing technical data and failure analysis.
• Learn from the senior laboratory technicians and progressively assume responsibilities to ensure continuity.
• Document critical knowledge, methods, and testing standards to reduce single‑point‑of‑failure risk.
• Stop release of materials if results indicate non‑conformity or safety risk.
• Ensure data integrity and accuracy in all laboratory systems.
• Escalate abnormalities in testing, equipment, or material behavior.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by site management to support operational objectives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level